Artwork goes beyond limits
ARTISTS Francoise Lane (left), Meriam Elverina Johnson and Susan Reys are celebrating the reopening of UMI Arts with the 2020 Freshwater Saltwater exhibition. With this year’s theme of Boundless, the works of 13 artists span lino cut, digital and fabric screen prints to acrylic on canvas, watercolours, ceramics, softwood rainforest timber shields and firemakers.
UMI Arts’ 15th anniversary has been celebrated with the centre reopening on Monday for its 2020 Freshwater Saltwater exhibition showcasing artists’ spiritual and physical connection to country.
With this year’s theme of Boundless, the works of 13 artists span lino cut, digital and fabric screen prints to acrylic on canvas, watercolours, ceramics, softwood rainforest timber shields and firemakers.
Among the artists is firsttime exhibitor Susan Reys, who is showcasing a new body of works inspired by recent research into her Guugu Yimithirr
culture. Ms Reys said it was really important the centre reopens as it “showcases different levels of artistry”.
“I have a combination of artworks, including ceramics and painting. It’s contemporary and focused on understanding and interpreting our culture as it has evolved,” Ms Reys said.
Exhibition curator Trish Barnard features with her handpainted upholstered chair and acrylic on canvas. Ms Barnard, who has more than 30 years’ experience as a curator and academic, said the work spanned an exciting range of mediums.